Hizb commander among 5 ultras killed in Kulgam

Five militants, including a top “commander”, of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed in a gun battle between militants and security forces in Kulgam.

The police said the encounter broke out in the Kadder area in which two Army men were also injured.

After a tip-off that a group of militants was present in Kadder village, a search operation was launched. The militants fired at the security forces, triggering an encounter.

Deputy Inspector General, South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo, said the slain militants were identified as Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Mushtaq Itoo, Irfan Yaqoob, Adil Hajam and Yasir Javid. Bhat was active since 2015 and was the commander of the outfit in J&K, the officer said.